In the News
ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Board Initiates Addendum to
Reduce Fishing Mortality
Alexandria, VA- The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Atlantic Striped Bass
Management Board has initiated development of Draft Addendum III with the goals of
reducing striped bass fishing mortality (F) up to 40% and further protecting spawning
stock when it is concentrated and vulnerable. The addendum was initiated in order to
allow managers to promptly respond to the results of the stock assessment update in
the fall if necessary. Provisions of the addendum, if passed, could be implemented prior
to the start of the 2012 fishing year.
Distributed at the Request of Rep. Bruce MacDonald
Why a Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry?
It's a Federal Requirement
- As part of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, a National Saltwater Angler Registry is being created so NOAA can gather key information from saltwater sport fishermen
- If Maine doesn't act, the Federal Government will.
- On January 1, 2011, Maine residents will be required to purchase a saltwater fishing license through the federal government.
- The estimated cost for this will be between $15 and $25, and none of the money will come to Maine.
- Every Atlantic coastal state except Maine and New Jersey has enacted their own paid registry.
Support LD 1432 - Maine's Saltwater Fishing Registry
- Keep the money in Maine.
- It's cheaper - Under LD 1432 Maine residents will pay $5 and non-residents will pay $15.
- Maine residents under age 16 are exempt and anglers over 70 only have to register once for $10 and they will be lifetime registry members.
- LD 1432 ensures the state can manage the fisheries and enforce Federal requirements without sending our money to Washington.
- Managing Maine's recreational saltwater fisheries responsibly costs money.
- LD 1432 ensures the state has the resources to protect and enhance important fish habitat.
- Funding will be used specifically for saltwater recreational fishing - enforcement, administration, science and habitat.
- 50% of Maine's saltwater anglers are non-residents who would be contributing directly to the management of our marine resources.
- LD 1432 is strongly supported by the Maine Lobstermen's Association, the Maine Association of Charterboat Captains, and leading coastal guides, as well as by the Coastal Conservation Association-Maine, the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and The Nature Conservancy.